- Asiacell will deploy Cisco’s AI-powered PCA to monitor, predict and self-heal network issues before they affect customers.
- The shift from reactive to predictive network management promises improved reliability for its 19.7 million subscribers across 19 governorates.
What happened: AI-powered network transformation across Iraq
Asiacell, Iraq’s leading mobile network operator, announced it will implement Cisco’s AI-driven Provider Connectivity Assurance (PCA) across its entire network. The new platform will continuously monitor network performance, automatically detect anomalies, diagnose root causes and — crucially — trigger corrective actions before service degradation affects users.
According to Asiacell, this upgrade — covering all 19 governorates and serving around 19.7 million users — represents a big step forward in network automation. The operator’s Chief Technology and Innovation Officer highlighted that the new system will enable a more agile, self-optimising network, better equipped to meet growing demands from digital services and forthcoming 5G deployment.
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Why it is important
For many users in Iraq, network reliability remains a critical barrier to fully benefiting from digital services, especially in underserved or remote regions. By introducing AI-driven predictive maintenance, Asiacell could significantly reduce downtime and latency — potentially improving the user experience for millions.
Moreover, the adoption of predictive network management marks a shift in operational philosophy: from reactive troubleshooting to proactive prevention. If successful, it could set a precedent for other operators in the region, accelerating broader infrastructure modernisation.
At the same time, the announcement raises important questions. Will implementation across all regions — including rural or security-sensitive areas — maintain the same level of performance? And can the promised “self-healing” capabilities live up to expectations in a challenging environment where legacy infrastructure and external pressures may complicate deployment?
Given recent moves by Asiacell — including partnerships with other AI and cloud providers — this Cisco collaboration seems part of a broader push toward digital transformation. Yet whether the real-world impact will match the promise remains to be seen.
